Chapter Two: I Want to Do a Paternity Test for the Baby—Is That Too Much to Ask?

“There’s nothing hard about it. These are the fruits of our love. No matter what, I will give birth to them.”

“Honey, am I amazing or not? I’ve given you twins!”

Happiness shone in Yan’s eyes, her face beaming with joy.

Qiang scooped up a spoonful, and without even blowing to cool it, hurried to feed it to Yan’s delicate lips.

“Come, have some more chicken soup.”

But his hand trembled, and a drop of scalding broth spilled onto Yan’s snowy chest. In an instant, her fair, translucent skin was flushed red from the heat.

“Sorry, darling, I’m so sorry!”

“Qiang, what are you doing?”

“Are you trying to burn me alive?”

The boiling soup made Yan cry out, and her demeanor changed in a flash. She raised her palm sharply, ready to slap Qiang across the face.

Next moment, Qiang seized her wrist tightly. This troublesome woman, always quick to turn hostile and hit him—did she really think he was so easy to bully?

“Don’t be angry, darling!”

“Husband was just careless. Are you alright?”

In his previous life, whenever Yan was dissatisfied with him during her pregnancy, she’d slap him. The doctor said moodiness was normal for expectant mothers, so Qiang endured it for the sake of her peaceful delivery.

But now, reborn, he wasn’t a fool anymore. It was only an excuse for Yan to hit him at will, to insult him as she pleased. Even after reincarnation, did she still expect to slap him?

If he let Yan strike him again, he might as well give up being a man.

“Qiang, you silly fool! My daughter just gave birth, can’t you be more careful?” Feng scolded irritably.

“Yes, yes, Mother-in-law, your words are right.”

“Wife, I was too careless, I deserve a slap!”

“Don’t be angry, darling, drink your soup.”

Again, Qiang didn’t cool the soup, shoving the steaming broth straight into her mouth. Another cry rang out.

“Ah!”

“Qiang, are you trying to kill me?”

“It’s so hot—why did you put it in my mouth without blowing on it?”

Yan cursed furiously, her temper fully unleashed.

As Yan covered her mouth and cried out, Ming was the first to step forward to defend his sister.

“Qiang, you did that on purpose. You’re asking for a beating!”

Ming grabbed Qiang by the collar, ready to teach him a lesson.

In his previous life, this brother-in-law was quick to beat or berate him, wasting his days with shady friends and frequenting dubious places. Years after graduating college, he still had no job, a true layabout. Even his car and house were paid for by Qiang, and after two months of loan payments, Feng had Qiang cover the rest for Ming.

Qiang was about to strike back when Feng interrupted.

“Enough, Ming. Don’t make trouble in your sister’s maternity ward.”

“A useless fool, not even capable of basic care. I don’t know how you can call yourself a husband!”

“Get out! How can I trust you to care for Yan?”

Feng snatched the bowl away and carefully fed Yan herself, handing the baby to Ming without giving Qiang so much as a glance.

Yan’s face was grim. She bit her lip, holding back her anger.

Watching Yan clutch the blanket tightly, Qiang’s lips curled into a faint smile. He hadn’t expected Yan to hold herself back even now. On any other day, she would have made a huge scene. It must be because she’d just given birth and was anxious to share the news with that despicable man.

“Mother-in-law, your lesson is well taken!”

Qiang repeated the phrase—‘You’re right, but I won’t listen.’

“Mother-in-law, may we see the child, just for a moment?” Fen asked cautiously, eyes glued to the twins, her face full of eager flattery, hoping for a glimpse of her grandchildren.

Qiang took a deep breath. His parents still didn’t know the truth and wouldn’t believe him even if he told them. And Feng, that old witch, would use this to demand a series of conditions.

“Mother-in-law, it’s not that we disagree, but your family must accept a few conditions before we let you see the children,” Feng raised her price, just as she had when demanding the bride price.

Twin boys—she’d already had a fortune-teller choose their names in advance.

“Mother-in-law, you mean the children’s surname, right? I agree.”

“You agree?” Feng was surprised—why was Qiang so agreeable today?

“We agreed before. Since they’re boys, they’ll take your family’s surname. I’ve already chosen their names.”

Qiang smiled faintly, squinting at her as he spoke.

If they wanted the children, let them take them; he didn’t care. If they ever entered the Zhao family’s register, it would only bring shame.

“One is called Hao, the other Jie. What do you think?”

As soon as Qiang finished, Feng’s expression changed. Those names came from her fortune-teller; how did Qiang know? Was it a coincidence? Impossible.

Qiang stared at Feng, and sure enough, saw shock in her eyes. This old witch was well prepared. The hospital forbade using ultrasounds to determine gender, but she must have found out through connections. Perhaps she also knew about Yan’s affair.

Like mother, like daughter—a pair of scoundrels, neither any good.

Qiang even suspected something more daring: that the entire Yan family was in on it. Yan had a man outside, and the children weren’t his.

If that was true, Qiang would curse Yan’s ancestors for eighteen generations.

“Since you’ve chosen the names, let them be called that from now on,” Yan interjected with irritation. Seeing Qiang’s defiance today infuriated her. If not for the children needing an identity, she would have kicked him out long ago.

“The children are so adorable, honey—they really look like you!”

“Those little eyes and noses, not at all like mine.”

Qiang held one of the babies, his smile broadening.

“How do they look like me? Clearly, they resemble you!”

Yan hurried to say, her voice tinged with nervousness.

“Why so excited, darling? I meant they’ve inherited your good traits.”

“If they took after me, we’d be doomed.”

“Isn’t that right, love?”

Qiang looked at Yan, who crossed her arms and replied confidently, “Of course. They’re my children—naturally, they should inherit my strengths.”

She truly had no shame, and Qiang wondered how Yan could say such things without blinking. He’d hinted at her, but she felt no guilt at all. Clearly, she was determined to make him play the fool.

“Brother-in-law, my sister gave you twins. Childbirth is a perilous ordeal. Isn’t it reasonable she should stay at the best postpartum care center?” Ming sneered, still resentful about Qiang standing up to him earlier.

“Not unreasonable at all. Your sister gave me two adorable babies; I’m grateful beyond words. Even if I have to sell everything, I’ll make sure she gets the best care.”

Qiang agreed instantly. If the children were his, he’d give Yan the best without complaint. Unfortunately, they weren’t.

These fools had no idea he saw through everything. They kept making demands, shameless as ever.

“My daughter gave your family two treasures. Shouldn’t you show some gratitude?”

“Of course, Mother-in-law. Yan gave me two wonderful children—I’ll work twice as hard to repay her. If I get a bonus this month, I’ll hand it over.”

“I accept all your conditions, but I have a small request myself.”

Qiang smiled, holding up one finger.

“You have a condition? Say it. Since I’m in a good mood today, I might agree.”

Yan crossed her arms, haughty and superior. Her tone was all charity, not love. To her, Qiang was just a stand-in, temporarily giving the children an identity. If he was no longer useful, she would have kicked him out long ago.

“Darling, I’d like to do a paternity test for the babies. Is that alright?”

Qiang spoke softly, his face full of gentle smiles.